Jason Kidd, the head coach of the Dallas Mavericks, has reaffirmed his commitment to the team amid interest from the New York Knicks. Kidd expressed gratitude for the Knicks’ interest over the summer, noting that he felt “flattered” by it. The Knicks sought to interview Kidd to replace head coach Tom Thibodeau but were denied by the Mavericks.
Jason Kidd’s Commitment to the Mavericks
Despite the Knicks’ overtures, Kidd emphasized that leaving Dallas was never an option. He stated, “I love Dallas, I love working for [Mavericks owner] Patrick [Dumont].” According to Kidd, his focus remains on building a championship team in Dallas. He was drafted by the Mavericks and won a championship with them, solidifying his connection to the city and its fans.
Reactions to Interest from the Knicks
Kidd acknowledged the mutual interest but denied any intentions to leave his current role. “I never was thinking about leaving,” he said. After the summer interest, Kidd secured a contract extension with the Mavericks in October, shortly after the Knicks hired Mike Brown as their new head coach.
During his final playing season in 2012-13, Kidd played for the Knicks, which he reflected on positively despite the team’s struggles at that time. “I enjoyed that one year [with the Knicks]. The car ran out of gas at the end,” he remarked when discussing his previous connection to the Knicks.
The Knicks’ Coaching Search
The Knicks were also blocked from interviewing several other prominent coaches, including Chris Finch from Minnesota and Quin Snyder from Atlanta. Ultimately, they hired Mike Brown at a reported average salary of $10 million per year. Brown acknowledged the pressures of coaching in the NBA and the high expectations associated with such roles.
Mavericks’ Current Challenges
The Mavericks find themselves in a difficult situation with recent injuries impacting key players like Kyrie Irving and Anthony Davis. The team was struggling, with a record of just 4-11 prior to their matchup against the Knicks. Furthermore, the departure of team president Nico Harrison added to the uncertainty facing the organization.
- Jason Kidd expresses loyalty to the Mavericks
- Knicks interested in Kidd for coaching position
- Kidd denies any desire to leave Dallas
- Mavericks secure contract extension with Kidd
- Knicks hire Mike Brown as head coach
- Mavericks facing challenges due to injuries
Kidd’s continued focus on the Mavericks reflects his dedication to the organization, despite external speculation about his future. As the season progresses, both the Mavericks and Knicks will be aiming for success in their respective paths.
